A deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, which claimed 15 lives, has been characterized by Australia’s federal police as a terrorist act inspired by the Islamic State. Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett made the assessment on Tuesday, citing evidence gathered by investigators.
Authorities recovered Islamic State banners in a vehicle that had been seized for inquiry.
The suspects have been identified as a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The elder man was killed during the incident, while the younger one was hospitalized and remains under medical care.
Tuesday’s news conference by senior officials marked the first public confirmation of the suspects’ ideological motivation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the decision to label the attack as ISIS-inspired rests on concrete evidence, including the discovery of ISIS flags in the seized vehicle.
At least 25 individuals remained in hospitals after the weekend attack, with 10 in critical condition and three of those patients in a pediatric facility.
Among the survivors is a man who was seen on video at the scene, appearing to subdue one attacker, only to be confronted by another gunman before dropping the weapon.
The victims spanned ages from 10 to 87 and were gathered at a Hanukkah event on one of Australia’s most iconic beaches when gunfire erupted.
Prime Minister Albanese, along with state leaders, has signaled intentions to tighten Australia’s already strict gun laws, signaling what could be the most far-reaching reforms since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. While mass shootings have become relatively rare in the country, the tragedy has intensified calls for better protection for Jewish communities amid rising antisemitism.
Albanese announced measures to further restrict gun access, noting that the older suspect had legally accumulated a cache of six weapons.
Barrett described the alleged killers as emotionless in their planning, seemingly indifferent to the age or vulnerability of their victims and focused on maximizing casualties rather than any other goal.
Authorities also disclosed additional details as public concern and outrage grew over how the suspects organized and carried out the attack, and what safety measures are in place for Jewish communities in Australia.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the suspects traveled to the Philippines last month. Investigators will examine the purpose and itinerary of that trip.
Lanyon also confirmed that a vehicle linked to the younger suspect contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade ISIS flags, raising questions about how the attackers planned and transported materials.
As the investigation continues, officials are evaluating whether there were missed warning signs and what steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
